In college, a missed connection is simply the first step to a relationship. The only piece of information needed is that the girl actually goes to the same school as you. At that point, it is almost customary to not exchange information. As a part of the courting process, it was better to leave them hanging… to let her become a little detective for the next week to find out about you (and you, her). Then you would find out what party she was going to be at the next weekend, where you would make an appearance.

And if you didn’t see her then, you knew you would have countless opportunities throughout the year.

College was filled with second and third chances, and my type of personality thrived on such a scenario.

But in the real world, a missed connection is nothing more than a missed connection. On a night out, it is a guarantee that I only have one shot to find a way to continue communication with a girl, and when I simply don’t try, the only thing I am left with is regret.

The regret of never knowing more about this girl, this person who was pretty or interesting enough to catch my eye. The regret of never knowing if she was actually interested in me, too, and just waiting for me to approach her, since it is the guy’s duty. The regret of never knowing if the two of us would hit it off on our first date, and maybe eventually turning into something more.